Dreaming of studying overseas? There’s more than one way to make a student exchange possible!
A student exchange is an investment in your future. It’s an opportunity to experience a new culture, learn another language, make lifelong friendships and develop independence and confidence.
But when planning an international student exchange, one of the first questions families ask is: How much does a student exchange program cost?
At YFU Australia & New Zealand, we believe that financial considerations shouldn’t automatically stand in the way of an international experience. That’s why we offer three different pricing options designed to give families greater flexibility and make student exchange more accessible.
Whether you prefer an all-inclusive package or are happy to welcome an international student into your own home, there’s an option to suit different family circumstances.
Let’s explore the three options!
1. All Inclusive – Everything organised for your exchange
The easiest way to plan your international adventure.
Our All Inclusive option is designed for families who want the convenience and reassurance of having the key elements of their exchange organised through YFU.
The program fee covers the essential components of the exchange experience, including:
- Placement with a carefully selected host family.
- Enrolment in a local school.
- Pre-departure and arrival orientations.
- Travel insurance.
- Return international flights.
- YFU’s program organisation and support.
With the All Inclusive option, families can focus on preparing for the adventure ahead, knowing that the main arrangements are taken care of.
Best for: Families who value convenience, comprehensive organisation and having the main program arrangements included in one package.
2. Host & Go – Exchange cultures and save together
Open your home to an international student and make your own exchange more affordable!
What if your family could experience international exchange from both sides?
With Host & Go, you welcome a YFU exchange student into your home while your own child prepares to embark on their international adventure.
By hosting an incoming exchange student, your family receives:
- Up to 20% off your outbound exchange program fee.
- Up to $4,000 AUD / $4,800 NZD in hosting reimbursement.
The hosting reimbursement is calculated at $100 AUD / $120 NZD per week, up to the applicable program maximum.
But the benefits go beyond the financial savings.
Hosting an international student is an opportunity for the whole family to discover another culture, share everyday experiences, practise a new language and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
You don’t even need to travel overseas to experience the excitement of cultural exchange!
Best for: Families who are interested in welcoming an international student and want to make their own exchange experience more affordable while enjoying the benefits of cultural exchange at home.
3. Host & Go Basic – More flexibility, greater savings
Happy to host and prefer to organise your own flights? This option offers additional savings!
Host & Go Basic includes all the benefits of Host & Go, with one additional advantage: you can book your own international flights.
Here’s what you receive:
- Up to 20% off your outbound exchange program fee.
- Up to $4,000 AUD / $4,800 NZD in hosting reimbursement.
- An additional $2,500 discount when you organise and book your own flights.
This option gives families more flexibility when arranging travel while offering an additional reduction in the overall program fee.
Please note that specific departure dates and arrival times apply when booking your own flights. Host & Go Basic is not available for exchange programs to Thailand, South Korea or China.
Best for: Families who are happy to host an incoming exchange student, feel comfortable organising their own flights and want to maximise their savings.
Which student exchange pricing option is right for your family?
Every family has different circumstances, priorities and budgets. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Benefits | All Inclusive | Host & Go | Host & Go Basic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host family placement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| School enrolment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Orientations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Return flights arranged by YFU | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Up to 20% program fee discount | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hosting reimbursement | — | Up to $4,000 AUD / $4,800 NZD | Up to $4,000 AUD / $4,800 NZD |
| Additional $2,500 flight discount | — | — | ✓ |
| Organise your own flights | — | — | ✓ |
Program inclusions, pricing and eligibility vary depending on the destination and program. Please check the relevant destination page and speak with our team to confirm the details.
How much can you actually save?
The final cost of your exchange depends on several factors, including your chosen destination, program duration and departure date.
For example, a semester in one country may have a very different price from a full academic year in another.
The Host & Go options can make a significant difference to your overall program fee.
You can explore current program prices and compare the three options on our destination pages.
Still deciding? Join a free online YFU information session!
Choosing an international student exchange is a big decision, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Our live online information sessions are a great opportunity for students and parents to learn more about:
- Available exchange destinations and programs.
- Program durations and departure dates.
- The three different pricing options and what’s included.
- How hosting an international student works.
- The application process and eligibility requirements.
- What to expect before, during and after your exchange.
And there’s an extra benefit!
Families who attend an information session can unlock an additional $100 discount on their program fee (conditions apply).
It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, meet the YFU team and discover which exchange experience is right for your family.
Register for an upcoming online information session →
Your exchange journey starts with one step
An international student exchange is about so much more than travelling. It’s about discovering new perspectives, stepping outside your comfort zone, developing independence and becoming part of another community.
With three flexible pricing options, YFU Australia & New Zealand gives families more ways to make that experience possible.
Ready to explore the world? Find your destination, compare your options and take the first step towards your exchange adventure!
Explore YFU destinations and program prices →
YFU Australia & New Zealand – Building bridges between cultures, one exchange at a time.
